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I Was Unhappy in My Previous Position and Resigned. How Do I Explain This in Job Interviews?

Nurse leaning on a wall reviewing a tablet

Question:

Dear Donna,

I graduated Dec 2008 with my ADN and started working in April 2009 as a new grad RN, but recently resigned from this position. I was very unhappy in my position and kept hoping it would get better, but it never did. How do I explain leaving my previous employer when I interview for new jobs? Thank you.

Jennifer

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Jennifer,

It is challenging for me to respond to your question without knowing more specifics about why you left. Many new graduates quit their first jobs because they feel overwhelmed and unprepared. If that was the case with you, I urge you to read ?Your 1st Year as a Nurse? (www.nurse.com/ce/7010) so you are better prepared before seeking another job. In that case you can say honestly that you were overwhelmed and didn't know where to go for help. You can add that you have now spoken to experienced nurses, including your nursing instructors and that you read my book (which many hospitals use for their new graduate orientation) and now have a better understanding of what you need to do to be successful.
If you had a conflict with a staff member or manager or felt that the culture on your unit was too negative or understaffed or something similar, you might say that the position was not a good fit for you. I also cover this in the above referenced book. Read ?New Grad Woes? at www.dcardillo.com/articles/newgradwoes.html

Best wishes,
Donna